Can you drive over fiber optic cable?
Fiber optic cables have become part of the basic communication network, supporting internet connections, telephony, cable television, and so on. But this brings up an intriguing question as to whether one could drive a car over a fiber optic cable if it was placed across a road or a driveway without fracturing the cable. The short answer to this question is yes but some conditions need to be met whenever one wants to drive over fiber optic cable.
The material and processes used to make fiber optic cables
First, it helps to understand how fiber optic cables are constructed and deployed: First, it helps to understand how fiber optic cables are constructed and deployed:
- The fibers themselves are made of glass or plastic and are thinner than human hair. However, the small size makes them vulnerable on their own.
- To increase their durability, these fibers are enveloped in a plastic sheath and wrapped with kevlar, steel wires, or other similar materials.
- Several strands of the material are joined together in a way that forms a single cable. The cables in regards to diameter may be less than half an inch up to a couple of inches.
- When buried, additional measures are incorporated such as conduit piping or additional conduit to shield the cables from outside elements. Cables that are installed underground are usually laid at least 3 feet below the ground level.
- Overhead cables on poles also have reinforcements that can support the force of weather elements and the tension from being airborne.
So it means that fiber has a multiple layer of protection around the glass fibers themselves. However, how strong are these structures to bear the load of vehicles moving over them?
Yes, Fiber Cables Can Withstand Driving Over Them
These cables are expected to accommodate the usual flow of vehicles when well-buried or hung on poles. Here are some key reasons why: Here are some key reasons why:
- Fiber optic cabling that is installed underground has steel and other forms of reinforcement and layers of protection that can resist compression. Studies reveal that several tons of weight are necessary to compress and harm cables that are buried.
- Likewise, aerial cables possess reinforced metal strength members, and poles are located in a way where sags will not be subjected to the strain imposed by moving cars or trucks.
- The glass fibers operate using light signals – they do not conduct electrical currents. In this way, one cannot risk electrocution by running a car over fiber cables.
- Fiber has high tensile strength when stretched. While it is not as high as that of copper cable, it still requires a significant amount of force to exert on fiber to cause it to break under tension. This does not exert much tensile load when a vehicle is driven over them.
Thus, there is no need to panic if you are driving over fiber optic cable if it was buried or suspended by professionals.
Various potential risks may arise from driving over fiber cable as discussed below:
While fiber cable is durable, that doesn’t mean there’s no risk when driving vehicles over it: While fiber cable is durable, that doesn’t mean there’s no risk when driving vehicles over it:
- If the cable is shallow, surface vehicles can destroy protections and cause damage to the cable. The burial depth should be at least 3 feet deep.
- While weight and axle spacing are not as critical as they used to be, they are still significant factors to consider. Trucks pose a greater risk than cars because more mass is placed on a smaller area, meaning the potential energy is greater.
- Carrying out several attempts to drive over one area only worsens the soil compaction problem in the long run. For instance, the grass above the buried cable getting worn away can be one of the indications of problems.
- Additional protection should be placed on cables, especially on the road shoulders or driveways. Heat, chemicals, and traffic loads adversely affect conduits and lead to exposure of the cable.
- But overhead cables are still very susceptible to tall vehicles that may hit them and break the pole attachment.
Thus, it is possible to presume that some judgment should be exercised if driving heavy trucks, RVs, or other large vehicles over fiber cable. They also include awareness on overhead lines which assist in preventing accidents with the lines. Also, check any place where you frequently operate your car for signs of wear.
What to Do If Fiber Cable is Damaged
If you suspect or witness fiber optic cable damage from driving over it, follow these steps: If you suspect or witness fiber optic cable damage from driving over it, follow these steps:
1. Park the vehicles out of the area to ensure they do not sustain any more damage.
2. If ownership of cables is not clear, dial 811 or the local utility services. Inform them of the kind of damage that has occurred so that they can send people to attend to the incident.
3. Tend to the area surrounding the damaged car to prevent other cars from running over it some more. If possible, use cones or temporary fences to cover the area where workers have limited access.
4. Cable that looks extremely torn or flattened should be accepted that local phone, Internet, or cable TV may be out while the repair is underway.
5. Cutting and repairing fiber optic lines when they are damaged should not be attempted by anyone. Some specific tools, connectors, and training are necessary.
So dear readers, even though fiber optic cable is made to withstand a lot of conditions, it is not invulnerable. Drive carefully over buried or aerial cable though this is allowed for heavy vehicles. Inform authorities immediately if you notice or in case you incur fiber transmission damage to start the repair immediately. Ensuring careful measures have been observed, fiber optic cable and vehicles can share the same environment.
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